Markus Henriksen goes by a new nickname in the corridors of Hull City ’s training ground and it is one he has already grown fond of.

“It’s new being called ‘Skip’ but it’s a word I like,” said the midfielder. “It just gives me confidence.”

Inheriting the captaincy on the eve of this new Championship season has not dramatically altered Henriksen’s character but there are subtle differences from the days he was just another squad member. Now there is a certain presence, a self-assurance.

Henriksen has also revelled in the responsibilities that have come with leading City out in the opening Championship games against Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday. The visit of Blackburn Rovers this afternoon will be no different.

Markus Henriksen of Hull City applauds his team's supporters following the Sky Bet Championship match at Hillsborough

“The captaincy feels good,” he said. “I’ve had the armband at my previous clubs but it is something special here in England and at a big club in Hull.

“I feel more responsibility especially as we have such a young group. I try to help the young lads so they can just go and enjoy the football.

“It’s easy when you play good football then you don’t think as much. If something happens, like Jordy (de Wijs) was unlucky against Villa. I just told him ‘You’re a great player, that has happened, move forward’. As a captain that is what I have to do.”

Leading City this season will have its testing moments as Nigel Adkins attempts to bring a tune out of a rebuilt squad but Henriksen’s appointment as captain typifies a fresh outlook in 2018-19.

“Over my time there have been 25-30 players going in and out and of course that’s not the best for stability in the club, but we have a squad that loves it here,” he added.

Hull City captain Markus Henriksen leads out his team before the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday last weekend (Image: Focus)

“They give everything and that’s what the supporters want to see. If we perform well, hopefully the crowd can come back again and the stadium will be full.

“I see a lot of potential in this club and the squad. The mood inside the group is different to last year. I think people are a little hungrier and that can help us.”

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Henriksen only need glance to his side in City’s midfield to appreciate a squad whose average age has tumbled. Throughout the second half of last season he could call upon the experience of Seb Larsson or David Meyler as his partner in the middle but for games against Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday it was Dan Batty who assumed the role.

Batty had only ever made one league start for the Tigers on the final day of last season before convincing Adkins he was worthy of a promotion.

Dan Batty of Hull City arrives at the KCOM Stadium ahead of making his full home debut (Image: Focus)

“I think Batty is first of all a great person,” said Henriksen. “He’s working hard when he’s training with us, even last year. What he’s done so far he’s a very good partner for me. He’s always calm, wants the ball and gives a lot of aggression in his pressing. If he keeps on doing that like he is now and keeps developing he can be a top, top player.”

The same extends to Adam Curry, Robbie McKenzie and Brandon Fleming, who Henriksen watched flourish in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup win against Sheffield United.

“The young lads were brilliant,” he added. “That’s what is so nice in this cup that you can make a lot of changes and the team doesn’t do any worse.

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“I’m so happy for them and the young lads are enjoying the moment. The cup game was a great experience. The mood since has been great and hopefully we can bring that into the performance (against Blackburn).”

Victories are needed to back up the bright outlook of Henriksen and there is some frustration that the first of the season has not yet come. In both the fixtures against Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday, City took early leads that ought to have been the platform for more than the one point banked so far.

Hull City began the new Championship season with a 3-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa (Image: Focus)

“Our biggest problem has been to capitalise when we’re on top,” said Henriksen. “That was how it was last season too. You can never be on top a whole game so we have to take care of those moments you have. It doesn’t help when we let cheap goals in and then it is difficult taking all three points but we are learning. Hopefully we get better and better.

“If we take those chances and go 2 or 3-0 up at half-time great, the game is more ‘finished’, but we have to keep going even at 1-0. We have to keep the ball better and be calmer. We don’t have a huge striker to kick on to. We have to be better in some parts.

“If you look at the performances it hasn’t been fantastic but it hasn’t been bad too. We need small adjustments then everything will hopefully be good.”

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Henriksen was quick to chuckle when asked if there had ever been any prospect of him leaving City just as the season was starting after a reported deadline day interest from Cardiff. All of his focus will instead be on securing that first win as captain this afternoon.

“I see Blackburn as a good side,” he added. “They have four or five top players in my mind. It’s going to be a tough game and they’ve started the season well but every game at the KCOM we want the three points. Hopefully this is the time to get the first of them.”